The second day of the final session of the 15th Assam Legislative Assembly began today with active proceedings inside the House, marking an important phase in the state’s legislative calendar as Assam prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections. The session is being closely watched by political observers, legislators, and the public, as several important discussions and financial decisions are scheduled to take place before the present Assembly completes its term. The day’s proceedings started with the Question Hour, during which members of the Legislative Assembly raised a number of issues related to public welfare, development works, and administrative functioning. Ministers responded to questions placed by the members, providing updates on ongoing government programmes and addressing concerns raised by representatives from different constituencies. Question Hour remained lively, with members seeking clarifications on several matters affecting their local areas.
One of the most significant items on the day’s agenda is the tabling of the Vote-on-Account by Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog. Instead of presenting a full annual budget, the government has decided to bring a Vote-on-Account, a common parliamentary practice followed when elections are approaching. The interim financial statement is intended to ensure that government spending continues smoothly during the transition period before a new government is formed. The Vote-on-Account seeks approval from the Assembly to allow government expenditure for the first four months of the upcoming financial year, covering the period from April to July. This provision is necessary so that salaries of government employees, pensions, welfare payments, ongoing development works, and routine administrative expenses can continue without interruption. Once a new government assumes office after the elections, it will present a full budget outlining detailed financial plans for the entire financial year.Officials explained that the interim arrangement helps maintain continuity in governance and prevents any delay in the functioning of departments or public services.
It also allows the next elected government the opportunity to prepare and present a comprehensive budget based on its own policy priorities and development agenda.Apart from financial matters, the Assembly is also engaged in discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address. Members from both the treasury benches and the opposition are participating in the debate, placing their views on the policies and programmes outlined in the Governor’s speech delivered at the beginning of the session. The discussion has provided legislators an opportunity to highlight achievements, raise concerns, and suggest measures related to governance, infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment, and other public issues. Several legislators have used the occasion to draw the government’s attention to matters affecting their constituencies, including road connectivity, flood control measures, drinking water supply, agricultural support, and public service delivery. Opposition members have also raised questions on governance issues and implementation of various schemes, while ruling party members have spoken about development works carried out during the tenure of the present government.